REVIEW · SARANDA
Tour to Thermal Baths of Permet and exploring Langarica Canyon
Book on Viator →Operated by Lici Tours · Bookable on Viator
Hot water and canyon views, in one outing.
This tour connects Bënjë thermal baths with the dramatic Langarica Canyon and adds a gorge stop at Këlcyrë, where underground springs and waterfalls shape the scenery. It’s a simple formula: ride in comfortably, spend real time outside, and cool down in mineral water.
What I like most is the mix: you get both geology and relaxation. First, the stop at Këlcyrë Gorge is packed with natural details like caves and spring colors. Second, the thermal baths let you actually soak, with sulfur water rising from deep tectonic cracks into stone bath areas.
One thing to consider: this isn’t a sit-and-watch tour. The canyon time can involve walking through water, mud, and stone, so you’ll want proper footwear and a plan for managing wet gear.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Këlcyrë Gorge: springs, caves, and an 80-meter waterfall
- Benja (Bënjë) Thermal Baths: sulfur soaks by Kadiut Bridge
- Langarica Canyon: crystal-clear river time and cliffside photos
- Pickup, timing, and what to pack for this wet-and-wild half day
- What to bring (so you enjoy it instead of managing it)
- Hydration and food reality
- Price and value: why $151.39 can make sense here
- Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different plan)
- Should you book the Thermal Baths of Permet and Langarica Canyon?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is admission included for all stops?
- Are thermal baths included?
- What is included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Is this a private tour?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Can I bring a service animal?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you’ll care about
- Këlcyrë Gorge’s spring-fed views: deep canyon scenery, caves, and waterfall-fed karst springs
- Bënjë thermal baths with six natural springs: sulfur water poured into stone baths along the canyon
- Langarica Canyon hiking with swimming options: clear river water, cliffs, caves, and photo spots
- Go early for heat and crowd control: a guide tip that makes the canyon much more pleasant
- Private, English-guided route: only your group, plus pickup and private transportation
Këlcyrë Gorge: springs, caves, and an 80-meter waterfall
Këlcyrë Gorge is the “wow” warm-up stop before you get to the thermal baths. The canyon stretches about 13 km, and it can drop up to 1,000 meters in depth between Këlcyrë and Dragot. Even if you only spend about an hour here, it’s the kind of place that makes you look up and then look closer.
Here’s what makes it interesting in a practical way. The gorge includes caves like Mezhgoran and Dragot on the east side, plus lots of underground spring activity along the river. One spring is known as the Black Water of Këlcyrë, which rises from the Vjosa River and creates different color tones. The karst springs called the Rrepet of Këlcyrë are especially striking because they originate from underground rivers and then flow from roughly 80 meters high to form waterfalls.
What you’ll feel: it’s not just a viewpoint. The gorge is built around water movement—springs showing their power right in the canyon setting.
Possible drawback: because it’s a gorge with steep terrain nearby, you’ll want to follow your guide’s pace and stay steady if paths feel slick or uneven. Wear shoes you trust.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Saranda.
Benja (Bënjë) Thermal Baths: sulfur soaks by Kadiut Bridge
After the gorge, you head to the thermal waters of Benja (Bënjë)—natural sulfur springs that rise through deep tectonic cracks. In total, there are six springs, and water follows a natural path up into stone baths. That matters because you’re not just sitting in a random pool. You’re moving through different soaking spots that belong to the river-and-canyon system.
The baths sit on both sides alongside Lengarica Canyon. The most famous, and busiest, bath is the one near the iconic Kadiut Bridge at the start of the canyon. Farther up, there are smaller, quieter bathing areas.
You get about two hours here, and admission to the baths is included. That time is long enough to do the full “soak, reset, and soak again” rhythm—especially since sulfur mineral water often feels best when you give it more than a quick dip.
What I like for value: two hours is a real chunk of relaxation on a half-day outing. You’re not rushed out after ten minutes, and you can actually enjoy the water temperature and the sound of the canyon around you.
One consideration: since the canyon area involves walking and getting in and out of bath spots, pack for wet conditions. A recent group highlighted that walking through the canyon can involve water, mud, and stone—so swimming shoes are a smart move for comfort and grip.
Langarica Canyon: crystal-clear river time and cliffside photos
Langarica Canyon is about 6 km from the thermal baths, and it’s the outdoor centerpiece for the hike-and-swim portion. Expect crystal-clear waters tucked under towering cliffs, with caves and lush greenery in the mix. It’s great for photography and nature walks, and it’s also the part where swimming can happen if conditions and your comfort level line up.
You’ll have about two hours here, and admission is free. In other words, your money goes toward transportation, guiding, and access to the thermal baths—not entrance fees for the canyon itself.
What you’ll do on the ground: you’ll walk through canyon terrain where you may be stepping close to the water. Even if you don’t swim, you’ll want the freedom to move safely and quickly, because the best views often come from where the cliffs and water meet.
Big practical tip that can change everything: go early. A guide recommendation that proved smart is leaving ahead of the worst heat and crowd surge. If you can start your canyon time earlier, you’ll have more comfortable walking, calmer river moments, and more room to enjoy your photos without stopping every minute to dodge people.
Possible drawback: you should expect wet footing at least at some points. Bring footwear that handles slick ground, and plan for damp socks, wet hems, and a bag you trust for squeezing everything back together.
Pickup, timing, and what to pack for this wet-and-wild half day
This is built as a 4 to 6 hour outing, starting from Saranda with pickup offered and private transportation. It’s offered in English, and it’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates—so you’re not stuck with random pacing.
The timing is the whole trick. Këlcyrë Gorge is about an hour, the thermal baths run about two hours, and then Langarica Canyon takes about two hours. Add transfer time between sites and you get a true half-day schedule that still feels substantial.
What to bring (so you enjoy it instead of managing it)
- Swimming shoes for canyon walking and any river or bath entry
- Quick-dry clothes you’re okay getting muddy/wet
- A waterproof bag for your phone and anything you can’t afford to ruin
- A towel (small one is fine)
- Sunscreen and a hat, especially if you follow the early-start strategy and stay out longer
Hydration and food reality
Lunch is not included. That’s normal for a tour like this. You’ll likely want water with you, and if you get hungry, your guide may be able to suggest a stop on the way back. One recent experience included a recommended restaurant stop with mountain views and a terrace-style meal.
Price and value: why $151.39 can make sense here
The price is $151.39 per person for this trip, typically booked about 32 days in advance. For many travelers, the value comes from what’s included:
- Private transportation
- English guide
- All fees and taxes
- Thermal bath admission included
- Mobile ticket
- Group discounts may apply depending on your party
When you compare that to the cost of doing each stop on your own—transport across the region, a guide to navigate timing and routes, and the paid thermal-bath access—the number starts to look more reasonable. You’re paying for fewer hassles and more guided time at the most important spots.
Where you get your best return: the thermal baths. The baths are included and take up two full hours. That’s the biggest ticket component and the most relaxing part of the schedule.
Where you should plan a little: lunch. If you eat late or skip lunch, you’ll avoid feeling squeezed. If you want a proper meal, budget for it.
Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different plan)
This tour works well if you want real nature time without needing to plan every step yourself. The schedule is straightforward, and the mix is ideal for people who like both outdoor scenery and a physical break.
You’ll likely enjoy it if you:
- Want thermal bath time plus canyon exploring in one outing
- Like photography and natural water features
- Are comfortable with moderate walking on wet or rocky ground
- Prefer a private, English-guided route with pickup from Saranda
It may be less ideal if you:
- Want only dry, flat walking with zero mud or wet footing
- Don’t enjoy being around water in a canyon setting
Good news: the tour says most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.
Should you book the Thermal Baths of Permet and Langarica Canyon?
I’d book this if you want a balanced half-day that feels both relaxing and outdoorsy, with the most time spent where it matters: thermal soaks and canyon walking. The combo of Këlcyrë Gorge (spring and waterfall scenery), Bënjë sulfur baths (actual included bath time), and Langarica Canyon (river views, cliffs, and possible swimming) is a strong value for a single ticket.
Book it confidently if:
- You bring swimming shoes and expect some wet walking
- You like to go early for calmer river time
- You want a private English guide handling the route and timing
Skip it or consider a different style of tour if you want mostly indoor comfort or you dislike uneven, wet terrain.
If you do go, plan to treat it like a day outdoors with a bath reward at the halfway point. That pacing is the secret sauce.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
Where does the tour start?
The tour is in Saranda, Albania, and pickup is offered.
Is admission included for all stops?
Admission is free for the Këlcyrë Gorge stop and Langarica Canyon. Admission for the Benja (Bënjë) Thermal Baths is included.
Are thermal baths included?
Yes. The tour includes time at Benja (Bënjë) Thermal Baths, and admission is included.
What is included in the price?
The price includes all fees and taxes, private transportation, and an English guide.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it is offered with an English guide.
Can I bring a service animal?
Yes. Service animals are allowed.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
